“Turn the other cheek”, Jesus taught. “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you and do good to those who hate you”. (Matt. 5:38-44). I don’t think that is the message any of us really like to hear, is it? Especially when we are wronged by people who have hurt us. Am I right or am I right?

And yet, how did Jesus demonstrate God’s love toward us? “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8; John 3:16)

It’s called showing ‘mercy’ and is the what ‘loving your neighbor’ embodies, and even more so- it is what God’s law encompasses as explained in the parable of the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:-25-37). Jesus told the inquisitive lawyer who was asking what he must do to inherit eternal life... that he in turn must ‘do this and you will live’. (28).

Do what? Go and show mercy – “Go, and do likewise.” (37)

You have to admit, Jesus was pretty consistent with His messaging. “As I have loved you... you also love one another. By this all will know you are My disciples...” (John 13:34-35). Or how about when Jesus was being nailed to the cross...how was He praying for them? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

That’s hard to do, you say? Of course it’s hard.... on the flesh nature that is hostile towards God. (Rom. 8:7-8). Flesh is filled with pride and anger and revenge and resentment and bitterness and everything else that goes against the very nature of God. That’s why it has to be put to death! (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5-8). That’s what those who belong to Christ ...do. (Gal. 5:24)

Now there were those who told Jesus His sayings were pretty ‘hard’ and ended up walking away. That is an option for us today as well. But really...who else has the words of truth that lead to true living? (John 6:60-69). This whole ‘walking like Jesus walked’ might be easier to do if we truly died to self and we in turn, became partakers of His divine nature, you think? (John 3:30; 2 Pet. 1:2-4)

But what about those who hurt us? Do they get off for free? Well, if they come to Jesus, they do, in a sense...just like you did. But look at Romans 12:17-21. Paul is teaching the same lesson about not repaying evil for evil, but overcoming evil with good. But notice what he says there in vs.19- God will take care of those who came against you. That’s why we are told to ‘give place (or make room) for wrath’. Trust me, God can do a far better job sorting all that out than you or I can. Believe me, He knows what He is doing. But He won’t act on our behalf until we back off from seeking vengeance and ‘make room’ for Him.

Nobody who sins escapes the wrath of God. (Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6; John 5:14). But...remember this...It’s not the will of God to see any perish, even those who wronged you. He wants them to come to repentance as well. (2 Pet. 3:9) Sometimes, it just takes a little outside ‘influence’ to humble us and break us so that we might draw near and find mercy...which God is always willing to show and give. (Joel 2:13; James 4:6-10)